President Prabowo Subianto’s key initiatives, including the Free Nutritious Meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis / MBG), People’s School (Sekolah Rakyat), and the Merah Putih Village/Urban Cooperatives (Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih / Kopdes), are seen as pathways to speeding up the eradication of poverty. These programs not only aim to reduce poverty but also empower individuals to achieve economic self-reliance, as emphasized by the Head of the Poverty Eradication Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin), Budiman Sudjatmiko. Drawing a comparison to football, Budiman explained how the government plays a pivotal role in equipping individuals with skills, knowledge, proper nutrition, and economic opportunities to effectively address poverty. The objective is to facilitate a smooth transition towards economic stability while breaking the cycle of poverty through initiatives like the boarding-based Sekolah Rakyat, which offers children a chance to dream beyond their current circumstances. Furthermore, programs like MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih not only provide economic benefits to communities but also create employment opportunities for millions, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and small-scale enterprises. By eliminating intermediaries and offering affordable credit, Kopdes Merah Putih enables farmers and traders to access resources and services at fair prices, ultimately empowering them to thrive independently. These initiatives are designed to offer tangible hope and economic independence to households, emphasizing the government’s commitment to uplift society and achieve sustainable poverty eradication.
MBG and Kopdes Merah Putih: Fast Tracks to Poverty Eradication
